Russia does not recognise reinstatement of UN sanctions on Iran

(Patria) - Russia does not recognise the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions on Iran, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters on Wednesday when asked whether Moscow would implement the measures.

The United Nations on Saturday evening reimposed an arms embargo and other sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme, following a process - known as "snapback" - initiated by European powers. Tehran warned it would respond sharply to the move.

The United Kingdom, France and Germany initiated the "snapback" process in the UN Security Council over allegations that Iran violated the 2015 agreement aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. Iran denies making nuclear weapons, Reuters reported last night.

"We do not recognise the 'snapback' as taking effect," Nebenzia said at a press conference marking the start of Russia's presidency of the UN Security Council in October. "We will live in two parallel realities, because for some the 'snapback' has happened, for us it has not. That creates a problem. How we will get out of this – we will see," he said.

The end of the ten-year nuclear deal, originally agreed by Iran, the UK, Germany, France, the United States, Russia and China, could worsen tensions in the Middle East, just months after Israel and the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites.

"This development is truly full of great escalation around Iran, because it opens the door for those countries that want to end the Iranian nuclear programme," Nebenzia said, referring to the military action by Israel and the US in June.

With the return of UN sanctions, Iran will again be subject to an arms embargo and a ban on all uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities, as well as any activities related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
Other sanctions to be reimposed include a travel ban on dozens of Iranian citizens, asset freezes on dozens of individuals and entities, and a ban on the supply of anything that could be used in the country's nuclear programme.